HRT name Clos as reserve driver

Mon, 13 Feb 09:04:00 2012

GP2 front-runner Dani Clos has joined HRT as its reserve driver for the upcoming Formula 1 season.

Dani Clos - 0

The 23-year-old Spaniard drove for the team at last November's young driver test at Yas Marina, and has now signed a deal that will involve him taking part in several Friday free practice sessions during the year.

He will support race drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Narain Karthikeyan and believes that his new role will help him progress as a driver.

"I'm very proud to be a part of HRT Formula 1 Team. It is a great step in my career, something that I have dreamt of all my life and, finally, my dream is starting to come true," Clos said. "I'm very impressed with the job the team is doing; they're achieving fantastic things in a short space of time.

"The team has changed a lot since we met at the Abu Dhabi tests and I think it's a great opportunity and an honor to form a part of this new team. What they're achieving is very important for motorsport in our country and has a lot of potential.

"Also, being alongside Pedro de la Rosa is very important for me, since he and Karthikeyan can positively contribute to me becoming a better driver."

Clos has spent the past three years in GP2, winning once in the main series and once in the Asia Series. Fourth place in the 2010 championship for Racing Engineering marked his best season.

Prior to that he was a podium finisher in the F3 Euro Series and the 2006 Italian Formula Renault champion.

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Comment 1 - 9 of 9

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  1. P it seems your problem lays on being a spanierd. what­ did they do to you? did they screwed you in the ar se­ pal? lol

    From edensurey, on Wed 15 Feb 3:30

  2. Yippee!

    From COLIN B, on Tue 14 Feb 2:45

  3. karthikeyan is a far better driver. But nothing wrong­ in having a decent back up if things go wrong.

    From Josh Davis, on Tue 14 Feb 1:04

  4. How long before HRT swap Karthikeyan for Clos (whoever­ he is)

    From Andy, on Tue 14 Feb 0:23

  5. If this team had ambition it would have snapped up the­ best Spanish driver (bar Alonso of course) Jaime­ Alguersuari. Signing Karthikeyan proves that money is­ more important than talent. Karthikeyan will be­ replaced by Clos as soon as the team needs even more­ money.

    From MARK, on Tue 14 Feb 0:07

  6. I hope the 23-year-old spaniard enjoys his time at hrt­ and does well.

    From Brian, on Mon 13 Feb 23:57

  7. Who ?

    From know it all, on Mon 13 Feb 23:24

  8. A nobody,joins a Has been and a permenate back marker.

    From Ex Pat, on Mon 13 Feb 20:26

  9. My guess is Clos is so close to finishing his Hormone­ Replacement Therapy. Better to be in the reserve­ list for the time being just to make sure there are no­ side effects!!

    From P, on Mon 13 Feb 19:24
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